NRI Marriages

Introduction 

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is an Indian citizen or person of Indian descent who lives outside India for a variety of reasons, including employment, business, or education. The Purpose of this blog is to study the concept of NRI marriages and how it leads to deceitful practices.

The Indian Income Tax Act of 1961 and the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 and NRI Bill , 2019 specify the legal.

As per section 6 of Income Tax Act, 1961, an NRI is a person who is an Indian citizen and resides in India for less than 182 or more days in previous year.

NRI definitions under FEMA :

• Person Residing Outside India is the term used for an NRI, being a person who has gone out of India or who stays outside India for the purpose of employment or carrying on business or vocation outside India or any other circumstances which indicate his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period. Definition and conditions for NRIs ans NRI Bill , 2019.

• Non Resident Indian, the phrase not defined under FERA is now covered by regulations under FEMA as “a person resident outside India who is either a citizen of India or a person of Indian Origin”.

Recently RBI has clarified that students studying abroad also be treated as NRIs under FEMA and accordingly be eligible for foreign investments and NRE/FCNR accounts.

• And the definition of a “Person Resident outside India” is simply put as a person who is not Resident in India.”
• Person of Indian Origin [ PIO ] :includes a person, being a citizen of any country other than Pakistan and Bangladesh who:

i). held an Indian Passport at any time. Or

ii). Himself or either of his parents or any of his grand parents were citizens of India, or

iii). Is a spouse of an Indian citizen, or

iv). Is a spouse of a person covered under (i) or (ii) above

According to the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019, NRI is defined as an Indian citizen who resides out of India. This definition of NRI is considered as an incomplete definition as it provides a broader interpretation without setting any limitation to it. Therefore, a new definition is NRI is recommended according to which a NRI should be an Indian citizen who resides outside of India for any purpose, except tourism.

Deceitful Practices in NRI Marriages –

Various reports have indicated that there is an increasing trend of such marriages turning out to be fraudulent, leaving Indian spouses, particularly women

Vulnerable to challenging situations. These fraudulent marriages often involve deceitful practices, such as false promises, misrepresentation, and abandonment, leaving the Indian partners In distress. The vulnerability in such situations is exacerbated by the inter-country nature of these marriages, making it challenging for them to seek legal recourse and assistance. Issues such as abandonment, financial exploitation, and the legal complexities of navigating multiple jurisdictions contribute to the difficulties faced by individuals in such marriages.

Section 69 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 criminalises the sexual intercourse with a women by using decietful means or by making any false promise to marriage. Here the word ‘ deceitful means’ includes the false promise of promotion, employment etc. The section also provides the punishment for said offence i.e., imprisonment upto 10 years and fine.

Section 81 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 protects every woman from being deceived in unlawful relationships. It punishes every man who deceitfully make any woman believes that she is lawfully married to him and caused the woman to cahabit or to have sexual intercourse with him. The section also provides for the punishment for the said offence which shall be imprisionment of term up to 10 years and fine.

Cases of fraudulent and Deceitful practices in NRI marriages-

In Harmeeta Singh v RajatTaneja the wife was deserted by her husband within 6 months of marriage as she was compelled to leave the matrimonial home within 3 months of joining her husband in the US. When she filed a suit for maintenance under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act in India, the High Court disposed of the interim application in the suit by passing an order of restraint against the husband from continuing with the proceedings in the US court in the divorce petition filed by the husband there and also asking him to place a copy of the order of the High Court before the US court.

The Court made some other observations while passing this order, mainly that even if the husband succeeded in obtaining a divorce decree in the US, that decree would be unlikely to receive recognition in India as the Indian court had jurisdiction in the matter and the jurisdiction of the US courts would have to be established under Section 13, CPC. The Court then said that till the US decree was recognized in India, he would be held guilty of committing bigamy in India and would be liable to face criminal action for that. The court also said that since the wife’s stay in the US was very transient, temporary and casual, and she may not be financially capable of prosecuting the litigation in the US court, the Delhi courts would be the forum of convenience in the matter.

N Vikas Aggarwal v Anubha, the Supreme Court had been approached by the NRI husband whose defence had been struck off in a maintenance suit filed by the wife in the High Court as he had not appeared in the High Court despite the High Court’s order directing him to personally appear and giving him several opportunities. The High court had directed him to personally appear to give clarifications to the court on the circumstances in which the US court had proceeded with and granted decree in a divorce petition filed by the husband in the US despite order of restraint having been issued by the Indian court against the proceedings in the US. The High Court had also rejected his application for exemption from personal appearance on the basis that he apprehended that he would be arrested in the case under Section 498 A, IPC filed by the wife.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s order and held that Order X of CPC is an enabling ‘provision that gives powers to courts for certain purposes. The Delhi High Court was therefore justified in requiring the husband to personally appear before the Court for his clarification, especially since the affidavit of his counsel in America annexed with the affidavit filed in the trial court was not enough to clarify the position and his father, as found by the trial court, could not throw further light in the matter, having not been present during the proceedings in America. Also the inherent powers of the Court under Section 151 C.P.C. can always be exercised to advance interests of justice and it was open for the Court to pass a suitable consequential order under Section 151 CPC as may be necessary for ends of justice or to prevent the abuse of process of Court.

The judgment In NeerajaSaraph v Jayant Saraph (1994) was passed in the following facts: The appellant wife who got married to a software engineer employed in United States was still trying to get her visa to join her husband who had gone back after the marriage, when she received the petition for annulment of marriage filed by her NRI husband in the US court. She filed a suit for damages in such circumstances as she had suffered not just emotionally and mentally but had also given up her job in anticipation of her departure to the US. The trial court passed a decree of Rs. 22 lakhs The High Court in appeal stayed the operation of the decree pending final disposal on the condition of deposit of Rs. 1 Lakh with the court. On appeal by the wife the Supreme Court modified the High Court’s order in favour of the wife by enhancing the deposit amount to Rs. 3 Lakh.

Even though the order was on a limited ground in an interim application, this case shows the feasibility of suit for damages by wife in such cases. It is also pertinent that the Court passed some obiter observations, which were as follows:

• Feasibility of a legislation safeguarding interests of women may be examined by incorporating such provisions as-
• No marriage between a NRI and an Indian woman which has taken place in India may be annulled by a foreign court;

Provision may be made for adequate alimony to the wife in the property of the husband both in India and abroad.

The decree granted by Indian courts may be made executable in foreign courts both on principle of comity and by entering into reciprocal agreements like Section 44-A of the Civil Procedure Code which makes a foreign decree executable as it would have been a decree passed by that court.’

Rajiv Tayal v. Union of India &Ors. is another judgment which shows that the wife also has an available remedy under Section 10 of the Passport Act for impounding and/or revocation of the passport of her NRI husband if he failed to respond to the summons by the Indian courts.

In this case the NRI husband had filed a writ petition seeking to quash the order passed by Consulate General of India, New York, USA, on the directions of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, for impounding his passport. He also challenged the order of the Trial Court declaring him a ‘proclaimed offender’ The NRI husband had filed the Petition even as he continued to refuse to join the proceedings pending before the Metropolitan Magistrate largely on the ground that he was residing in USA and subjecting him to the criminal process in India would be an unfair burden. The petitioner also submitted in the same breath that he had not been served with the summons and that the investigation in his case ought to be conducted by sending him a questionnaire and he should not be asked to join the investigation in India.

The court held that acceptance of such a plea would give a premium to the accused husband just because he happened to be abroad. Merely by going abroad a person could not claim a status superior to that of a citizen of India. It would then be open to such an accused to misuse the process of law and to make a mockery of the Indian judicial system by asking for such a special procedure which is in any case totally opposed to the principles of the criminal jurisprudence. The court passed his judgment after also looking at the conduct of the accused husband since he had refused to join the proceedings even after being repeatedly assured by the court that he would be extended suitable protection against his arrest or any other penal consequences in respect of his passport, but he declined to do so and insisted that the summons must be served on him before he is required to answer it, thus taking a hypertechnical plea.

The court therefore held that there was no merit in the husband’s plea as to the invalidity of Section 10(h) of the Passport Act being violative of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and the plea of constitutional validity of such provisions thus stood rejected.

In Jagir Kaur v Jaswant Singh ,Jagir Kaur, the first wife of Jaswant Singh, was married to him in 1930. After about 7 years of the marriage, during which the respondent husband was away in Africa, he came to India on five months leave when the couple lived in his parental house in a village in Ludhiana. Thereafter he left for Africa but before going he married another wife and took her with him to Africa. After 5 or 6 years, he came back to India on leave and took the first wife/ appellant also to Africa. There she gave birth to a daughter, the second appellant. As disputes arose between them, he sent her back to India, promising to send her money for her maintenance but did not do so. In the year 1960, he came back to India. When he was admittedly in India, the appellant filed a petition under Section 488 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in the Court of Ludhiana, within whose jurisdiction the respondent was staying at that time. The petition was filed by the first appellant on behalf of herself and also as lawful guardian of the second appellant, who was a minor, claiming maintenance for both of them on the ground that the respondent deserted them and did not maintain them.

In Indira Sonti v SuryanarayanMurtySonti  the plaintiff wife travelled all the way to, and got married in, USA to an NRI living there, but was deserted by him. After coming back to India she filed a suit for maintenance in Indian court under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. Since the marriage had taken place in the US, the wife made averments in the plaint alleging that part of cause of action had arisen in ”elhi where her father was approached by her father-in-law for her marriage with the defendant husband and discussion having taken place at New Delhi between the parties for marriage to be performed in USA. It was also stated by her that her father-in-law had phoned her father at New Delhi to inform that he was sending the plaintiff back to Delhi. The father in law also asked for giving consent for divorce proceedings on phone to her father at New Delhi.

Financial Exploitation

Yes, financial exploitation can include financial manipulation. Financial exploitation is the misuse of another person’s assets, and financial manipulation is a tactic used to exploit someone financially.

How financial exploitation can include manipulation

• Misuse of assets: Using someone’s assets without their consent
• Coercion: Using threats or pressure to control someone
• Undue influence: Taking advantage of someone’s trust or vulnerability
• Deception: Using lies or false promises to gain control.

Economic abuse has gained increasing recognition as a form of domestic abuse. This is reflected in the Domestic Abuse Bill, which now explicitly includes economic abuse (also known as financial abuse) as a form of abuse. Economic abuse is defined in the bill as “any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on [the victim]’s ability to (a) acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or (b) obtain goods or services”. It is a form of controlling or coercive behaviour, and may be accompanied by other forms of psychological abuse, or reinforced with violence or threats of violence.

Financial exploitation in marriages between Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian citizens is a serious problem. It can include dowry demands, desertion, and physical abuse.

How it happens

• Dowry demands: NRIs may make large dowry demands at the time of marriage and repeatedly after.
• Desertion: NRIs may desert their wives.
• Physical abuse: Wives may be physically abused if they refuse to provide dowry.

What to do

• Don’t accept unreasonable demands
• Contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate for help
• File a complaint with the local police
• Contact family or friends .
• The Law Commission recommends compulsory registration of marriages between NRIs and Indian citizens.

Indian Statutes defining financial abuse –

• Domestic Violence Act, 2005: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act provides protection and legal remedies to women who are victims of domestic violence, including financial abuse. It allows victims to seek protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief orders.
• Section 85 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS) : This section deals with cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman. It can include both physical and mental cruelty, which may encompass financial abuse.
• Maintenance laws: Laws such as Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act provide for the maintenance of wives, children, and parents. If financial abuse is a result of the neglect to provide maintenance, legal action can be taken.
• Criminal Breach of Trust (Section 316 BNS): If financial abuse involves the misappropriation of funds or property, the aggrieved party may file a complaint under this section of the BNS.
• Verification of NRI and Risk MitigationTo verify an NRI prospect, you can ask them to provide official documents like their Indian passport with relevant visa stamps, a copy of their foreign residential proof (utility bills, lease agreement), and an NRI certificate issued by the Indian embassy in their country of residence, which is the most reliable way to confirm their NRI status; you can also verify their details through the Indian government’s online portal if necessary.

Key points to consider when verifying an NRI prospect:

• Passport verification:Request a copy of their Indian passport with clear details including the passport number, date of issue, and recent immigration stamps showing travel outside India.
• Residential proof abroad: Ask for a copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, or other official document proving their current address in a foreign country.
• NRI Certificate: Insist on seeing an NRI certificate issued by the Indian embassy in the country they reside in, as this is the official document confirming their NRI status.
• Online verification (if applicable): Some government portals may allow you to verify an individual’s NRI status by providing their passport details or other relevant information.

Important aspects to consider when verifying an NRI prospect:

• Purpose of verification:Depending on your reason for verifying an NRI, you may need to ask for additional documents like employment proof or bank statements.
• Data privacy:Ensure you are only requesting necessary documents and adhering to data privacy regulations when verifying an NRI’s identity.
• Suspicious activity:If any information provided seems inconsistent or questionable, conduct further checks or seek assistance from relevant authorities.

Consequences of Non-Verification or Unregistered Marriage

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs of India recently passed the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019.  If passed, the bill would allow Indian passport officials to seize or revoke Indian passports or travel credentials for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who fail to register their marriage (whether in India or abroad) within 30 days of getting married.  It will apply to all NRIs who marry Indian citizens or other NRIs.

It will apply to all NRIs who marry Indian citizens or other NRIs.  The Bill prohibits late registration beyond the 30-day period.  If the marriage occurs outside of India, it must be registered with a Marriage Officer, who will be selected from among the diplomatic personnel in the other nation.

The committeee advised that NRI marriage registration forms include information and proof of each registrant’s passport, foreign visa, address, and occupation.  The compulsory registration of marriage aims to improve the enforcement of the rights of deserted wives under various personal laws in India.  Overseas Indians, formally known as Non-resident Indians (NRI/NRIs) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO/PIOs), are individuals of Indian birth, descent, or origin living outside the Republic of India.

In India, a marriage certificate is considered legal documentation that two people are married to each other, allowing them to claim numerous marriage-related benefits.  Unregistered marriages may be difficult to prove.  All Indian states have established laws making it essential to record marriages that take place within the state.  However, there is currently no central regulation requiring the registration of marriages between NRIs solemnized outside India.

Indian Legislation for Background Checks on NRIs –

In India, there is no specific legislation explicitly governing background checks on NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), but the primary legal framework for conducting background checks on individuals, including NRIs, is derived from the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly the “Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011” which mandates obtaining explicit consent from individuals before conducting background checks and emphasizes data privacy concerns while handling sensitive personal information;.

Key points to remember about background checks on NRIs in India:

• No dedicated law: While there’s no specific legislation for NRI background checks, general principles of data privacy and consent apply.
• Consent is crucial: Employers must obtain written consent from NRIs before conducting any background checks.
• Relevant laws: The Information Technology Act, the Indian Penal Code (for forgery related issues), and the Right to Privacy as interpreted by the Supreme Court are all relevant factors to consider.

Important aspects of conducting NRI background checks:

• Verification scope: Background checks can include verifying educational qualifications, employment history, criminal records, and other relevant information depending on the specific job role and company policy.
• Data source access:Accessing information from various sources like educational institutions, previous employers, and police records may be necessary.
• Data protection:Companies must ensure proper data security measures to protect the personal information collected during background checks.

Scrutiny Process in Foreign Countries for NRI Verification-

MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) – It is commonly noticed that serving of notifications, summons, or warrants against non-resident Indians residing abroad may be included in bilateral agreements such as the MLAT with nations where matrimonial disputes are prevalent.  India has signed MLAT agreements with 42 nations.  In the case of foreign countries, the Central Government endeavors to deliver judicial files with the certainty of reciprocity.  However, despite our best efforts, summonses and other judicial processes are delayed for a variety of reasons.

In the case of MLAT countries, the form of contact is specified in MLAT and can be conducted directly by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Authority in the other country or through the diplomatic route.  After assessing the request, the designated authority authorizes its agency to serve the document on the appropriate person, which is then received through the same chain.  Most countries use a system similar to this one.  However, in several nations, private corporations and non-governmental groups have been entrusted with the delivery of judicial documents.  It should be emphasized that it is at the discretion of the requesting country to serve the documents, and no timeframe for a positive answer can be foreseen.

Verifying documents issued overseas can be challenging due to several factors including: lack of standardized document formats across countries, language barriers, difficulty in contacting issuing authorities directly, potential for forgery, different security features, and the need for specialized knowledge regarding specific country regulations; all of which can make it difficult to determine the authenticity of a foreign document.

Key difficulties in verifying overseas documents:

• Varying document standards:

Different countries have different formats, security features, and required information on official documents, making it hard to identify inconsistencies without specific knowledge of the issuing country’s standards.

• Language barriers:

When dealing with documents in a foreign language, understanding the details and verifying information can be significantly hindered without translation services.

• Limited access to issuing authorities:

Reaching out to the original issuing institution in a foreign country to verify a document can be complex due to bureaucratic processes and time differences.

• Potential for fraud:

Forgers may exploit the complexities of verifying overseas documents by creating convincing replicas, making identification of fraudulent documents more difficult.

• Authentication challenges with security features:

Each country may use unique security features like holograms, watermarks, or special inks, which require specialized knowledge to authenticate.

• Legal and regulatory differences:

Understanding the legal framework surrounding document verification in different countries can be challenging, potentially leading to issues with compliance.

How to mitigate these difficulties:

• Use specialized document verification services:Companies offering document verification services often have access to databases and expertise in authenticating documents from various countries.
• Consult with experts:Seek advice from legal professionals or translation services familiar with the specific country’s document verification process.
• Perform thorough visual inspection:Pay close attention to security features, fonts, layout, and any inconsistencies that could indicate forgery.
• Request additional documentation:If necessary, ask for supporting documents or additional verification from the individual to bolster the authenticity of the original document.
• Utilize online verification tools:Some countries offer online platforms to verify the authenticity of certain documents issued within their jurisdiction.

Conflict Between Desertion Laws in India and Foreign Countries

It is a persistent problem that Indian spouses are abandoned by means of an ex parte decree of divorce obtained by non-resident Indians on unreasonable and fraudulent grounds. They take advantage of lenient grounds of divorce under the foreign legal system through wrongful representation of facts. It is important to note that Indian courts do not recognise such an ex parte decree granted under the local laws of the foreign country on the ground that the marriage was solemnized in India. A need is felt about a law to prevent injustice, where an ex parte decree of divorce is obtained in courts of foreign jurisdiction without the knowledge of their Indian spouses. The status is that a man stands divorced abroad, but the spouses are still husband and wife in India because an ex parte decree of divorce is not recognized in India.

Desertion is one of several grounds for divorce under Section 13(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act.

Desertion is a ground for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. It means when one spouse abandons the other without a reasonable cause and against their consent.

Elements of desertion

• Factum deserendi: The physical separation between the spouses
• Animus deserendi: The intention to permanently abandon the other spouse
• Absence of reasonable cause: The desertion must not have a reasonable justification
• Absence of consent: The desertion must be against the wish of the deserted spouse
• Continuous period of two years: The desertion must have continued for at least two years before the divorce petition is filed
• Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), desertion is the act of abandoning one’s military duties without authorization. It’s a serious breach of military law.

Section 163 of BNS

• This section of the BNS criminalizes the act of encouraging or assisting military personnel to desert.
• It applies to all ranks In the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The punishment can be up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
• The offense is cognizable, meaning the police can arrest without a warrant.
• It’s also bailable and can be tried by any Magistrate.

Section 164 of BNS

This section of the BNS criminalizes the act of harboring a deserter.

NRI Cell: Process, Resolution Timeline, and Effectiveness

“NRI Cell” was launched in the National Commission for Women to render assistance to victims of marriages with NRIs.

National Commission for Women and the State Commissions for Women have been designated by the Govemment for conducting awareness programs for women and their families who are about to get into marital

Relationship with NRIs or OCIs.

The primary challenges in the redressal and effectiveness of an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) cell include: geographical distance, complex legal issues in cross-border matters, bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, lack of awareness about the cell’s existence, inadequate staffing, and difficulties in coordinating with foreign authorities to gather necessary evidence; often resulting in slow resolution times and limited ability to effectively address NRI grievances, particularly those related to matrimonial disputes or property inheritance issues abroad.

Key challenges faced by NRI cells:

• Access and Distance:

NRIs living far away from India might face difficulties in physically reaching the NRI cell to file complaints or attend hearings.

Limited online accessibility or user-friendly platforms can further hinder access.

• Legal Complexity:

Navigating different legal systems across countries to address issues like property disputes, child custody, or marital issues can be extremely complex.

Obtaining necessary documents and evidence from foreign jurisdictions can be challenging.

• Bureaucratic Delays:

Inter-departmental coordination between Indian government agencies and foreign counterparts can lead to lengthy processing times and delays in resolving complaints.

• Language Barriers:

NRIs may not be fluent in Hindi or regional languages, making communication with the NRI cell difficult.

• Lack of Awareness:

Many NRIs may not be aware of the existence of an NRI cell or how to access its services.

• Staffing Issues:

Inadequate number of trained personnel with expertise in international law and cross-border matters can limit the cell’s capacity to handle complex cases.

• Enforcement Challenges:

Difficulty in enforcing decisions against overseas parties, especially when they are unwilling to cooperate with the Indian legal system.

• Social Stigma:

Some NRIs may hesitate to report issues due to social stigma associated with certain problems, like family disputes.

Data Privacy Law and NRI –

Data privacy laws, particularly India’s recent Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), significantly impact Non-Resident Indian (NRI) cases by requiring companies to obtain explicit consent from NRIs before processing their personal data, limiting the transfer of such data overseas, and imposing stricter penalties for data breaches, potentially affecting investigations involving NRIs’ personal information based in India; essentially, NRIs now have greater control over how their data is collected and used by companies operating within India.

Status and Gap in NRI Bill, 2019

22^nd Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 287 titled “Law on Matrimonial Issues Relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India” to the Government of India on 15.02.2024.

The Law Commission of India received a reference on The Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019 (NRI Bill, 2019) from the Ministry of External Affairs, received through the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, for examination.

Having conducted an in-depth study of the law concerning the instant subject-matter, including the NRI Bill, 2019 , the Commission is of the considered opinion that the proposed central legislation should be comprehensive enough to cater to all facets involving marriages of NRIs as well as foreign citizens of Indian origin with that of Indian citizens. Such a legislation should be made applicable not only to the NRIs but also to those individuals who come within the definition of ‘Overseas Citizens of India’ (OCIs) as laid down under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. It is further recommended that all marriages between the NRIs/OCIs and Indian citizens should be made compulsorily registered in India. The said comprehensive central legislation should also include provisions on divorce, maintenance of spouse, custody and maintenance of children, serving of summons, warrants, or judicial documents on the NRIs/OCIs, etc. Further, it is recommended that requisite amendments need to be introduced in the Passports Act, 1967 in order to mandate the declaration of marital status, the linking of a spouse’s passport with the other and mentioning of the Marriage Registration Number on the passports of both the spouses. Furthermore, the Government, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women and the State Commissions for Women in India and the NGOs and Indian associations abroad, should conduct awareness programs for women and their families who are about to enter into marital relationship with NRIs/OCIs.

Conclusion-

Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019 is a great initiative to deal with the deceitful practices that are taking place on the name of NRI marriages and it serves a great purpose to save innocent people from the fraud of NRI marriages and it need to be amended as quickly as possible.

Incase, You wish to discuss, and talk on any such matter that, ‘You may need help with’. Feel free to contact us.  Our team at  www.legalwellbeing.in shall be happy to assist.

Written by Team Member(s) and Ms. Varsha Dubey.

References-

‘Law on Matrimonial issues relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas citizens of India’, Report No. 287 , Law Commission of India, February, 2024.